Arguments for and against the wider use of referendums in the UK

Key
1. For
2. Against
They're inconsistent with out system of parliamentary govt
1. Undermine representative democracy by allowing governments to duck their responsibility to govern
  1. Tyranny of the majority
Regular use could lead to apathy and low turnouts that might distort the results e.g. the turnout for the Welsh Assembly was only 50.1%
1. Tyranny of the organised minority
Decisions are not always considered final. Governments sometimes go back again until they get what they want e.g Scottish parliament refs
Undermine CCR e.g. during ref campaigns like that of 1975, CCR is suspended over the issue in question in order to allow full public debate.
Most issues are too complicated to be condensed into a simple yes/no question. For example, should the question of joining the Euro be left to the public or economic experts?
Funding differentials can mean the referendum is not fought on an equal playing field
1. 'yes' better funded in 1975
Govts can schedule and phrase referendums in a way that makes their more favourable result more likely
1. E.g. in 1975 - a more neutral question would've prevented people from following the 'status quo'
Offer a more direct form of democracy. they encourage participation by allowing citizens to have a real input into the decisions that matter to them.
Provide a way of focusing or renewing the mandate on a particular issue
Legitimise major constitutional changes e.g. refs held ahead of the creation of the Scottish parliament and Welsh assembly.
Could be used to provide a clear and final answer where parliament is deadlocked.
Could provide a method for resolving tricky moral questions
Can prevent dangerous divisions within political parties over controversial issues - prevents govts from collapsing and provides greater continuity in governments
1. e.g. 1975 EEC membership & Labour cabinet

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Arguments for and against the wider use of referendums in the UK

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	Erstellt von Gabrielle Hamer vor mehr als 9 Jahre